Look up to see faces look out

WALK past the old Post Office on Lydiard and Sturt streets and you may see faces peering out at you.

Federation University first year Bachelor of Visual Arts students have created self-portraits which make up exhibition, Portraits in the Windows.

The artworks are being displayed from the second level of the Post Office Gallery, visible both day and night with spotlights.

“Towards the end of the drawing unit we were focusing particularly on portraiture, life drawing and using unusual ways of creating shapes,” said student Nasci Lethlean.

“It was linked in with the Winter Festival that was going to be popping up in Ballarat to showcase what we are doing.

“By putting them up in the windows and illuminating them it gives those on the outside a little insight into what goes on in these buildings.”

Lethlean said the way the works are displayed makes them beautiful and imposing.

“There is something quite striking about the face and using something that size,” she said. “It looks like they are looking down on you and there is something really effective about that.”

The presentation has provided an opportunity for students to practice portraiture and get a taste of exhibiting.

“I think for a lot of the students in the class this will be one of the first times they’ve ever exhibited in such a public setting,” said Lethlean.

“It’s incredibly exciting and also in a lovely, contained way.

“Sometimes doing things in a group can give you a little more confidence.”

Portraits in the Windows will be on display until Monday 15 July.